Bill seeks clarity in Maine school restraint law

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine educators are looking for more clarity in the state's law relating to restraining children in schools.

The Maine Education Association says the state's current rule allows the use of restraint only to prevent an imminent risk of injury or harm to a student or others.

The proposal scheduled for a hearing Wednesday would change the rule to allow the use of restraint or seclusion to prevent significant property damage, disruption of the educational environment or when authorized in writing by a student's parent.

Some teachers say there is some confusion about what exactly "imminent danger" means in the current law.

The Maine Education, special education teacher Cyndy Fish and Republican state Sen. Tom Saviello of Wilton plan a news conference before Wednesday's legislative hearing on the bill.